You shouldn’t need to sacrifice comfort or empty your wallet to keep your house at a pleasant setting during muggy weather.
But what is the right temperature, exactly? We go over recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temperature for your family.
Here’s what we advise for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Brookfield.
Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer
Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees is ideal. However, if there’s a major difference between your inside and outdoor temperatures, your electrical costs will be greater.
These are our suggestions based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.
While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home cool without having the air conditioner on constantly.
Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps chilled air where it needs to be—within your home. Some window solutions, such as honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are designed to provide more insulation and enhanced energy savings.
If you have ceiling fans in your residence, the DOE says you can raise thermostat temperatures about 4 degrees higher without giving up comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Since they cool people, not areas, shut them off when you leave a room.
If 78 degrees still seems too hot on the surface, try conducting an experiment for approximately a week. Begin by upping your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, steadily decrease it while following the tips above. You could be surprised at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.
While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the air conditioning on all day while your house is empty. Turning the setting 7–10 degrees warmer can save you anywhere from 5–15% on your air conditioning expenses, according to the DOE.
When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat under 78 to cool your house more quickly. This isn’t productive and usually leads to a bigger electricity cost.
A programmable thermostat is a useful method to keep your temp under control, but you have to set programs. If you don’t use programs, you run the risk of forgetting to increase the set temperature when you leave.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free resolution, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat connects with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re away. Then it automatically adjusts temperature settings for the best savings. How much exactly? Usually $180 each year on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.
Another perk of having a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to watch and adjust temperature settings from just about anywhere.
While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR suggests 82 degrees, that may be unpleasant for most families. Most people sleep better when their bedroom is cold, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation advises 60–67 degrees. But that could be too cold, depending on your clothing and blanket preference.
We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, moving your thermostat higher and steadily turning it down to select the best setting for your residence. On mild nights, you could find keeping windows open at night and relying on a ceiling fan is a preferable option than running the AC.
More Ways to Use Less Energy This Summer
There are additional ways you can spend less money on AC bills throughout hot weather.
- Get an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they age. An upgraded air conditioner can keep your home more comfortable while keeping energy expenses small.
- Book yearly air conditioner tune-ups. Annual air conditioner maintenance keeps your system running like it should and might help it operate more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life cycle, since it enables pros to pinpoint seemingly insignificant troubles before they lead to a major meltdown.
- Replace air filters frequently. Use manufacturer instructions for changing your air filter. A dusty filter can lead to your system short cycling, or run too often, and increase your cooling.
- Measure attic insulation levels. Just about 90% of residences in the United States don’t have adequate insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Most southern climates require 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates require 16–18”.
- Have your ductwork checked. Ductwork that has loosened over time can leak cool air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can create big comfort troubles in your house, such as hot and cold spots.
- Seal holes, doors and windows. Keep humid air where it should be by plugging holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cold air within your home.
Conserve More Energy During Hot Weather with Central Air LLC
If you need to conserve more energy during hot weather, our Central Air LLC experts can assist you. Reach us at 203-357-5913 or contact us online for extra information about our energy-saving cooling solutions.